Did a search didn't see it, if there is already a thread I apologize please delete.

I think these new rules will give an advantage to those taller in the clinch as you pretty much won't be allowed double underhooks, or hell pretty much much underhooks in the clinch will be eliminated. Personally this looks like a strong lost for those hard clinchers and kneers.

3/22/2009 12:52pm,

Torakaka

It doesn't really change the game that much except for making for quicker breaks in clinch fighting. Under hook clinching is mainly just desperation, stalling the action and hoping to tag some points while neutralizing the taller opponent's reach advantage. On the one hand It sucks that any steps would be made to make the rules more restrictive, but on the other hand, having the action continually stalled by fighters grabbing each other around the waist/chest can be pretty tedious.

The rule change doesn't really put any fighter at a disadvantage though, since it just means a shorter fighter will simply break the clinch by grabbing around the waist and get the action restarted.

3/22/2009 1:22pm,

Cannon_6

ZOMG!!! They're gonna ruin the sport!!!

This "change" took place almost a year ago.

3/24/2009 2:40am,

retrograde

Yeah, it isn't new; still waiting for it to filter through to the West, though. I agree with Kid, it's a positive change, as it's usually a desperate move pulled by the weaker grappler, and it stalls the action.

3/24/2009 8:34am,

Torakaka

It's funny that this is already the rule, since clinch action in Thailand doesn't really look any different to me than it ever did

3/24/2009 8:50am,

Matt Phillips

What's next? Rope escape by tugging on your opponents waistband?

3/24/2009 9:37am,

Cannon_6

Quote:

Originally Posted by retrograde

Yeah, it isn't new; still waiting for it to filter through to the West, though. I agree with Kid, it's a positive change, as it's usually a desperate move pulled by the weaker grappler, and it stalls the action.

I agree, too. The only difference in the Lumpinee fights I've seen is that the referee steps in as soon as one fighter grabs the other around the waist or chest. It does keep the action from stalling, and I find the higher neck, shoulder, and arm clinching more interesting anyway.

3/29/2009 8:35pm,

TheMightyMcClaw

Question:
-Won't this make underhooking even more common as as stalling tactic, since the referee will separate the fighters immediately? Basically, turning it into a "get of clinch free" card?
I'm thinking of all of the turtling for referee standups in Judo. It seems like whenever sports add rules to prevent stalling, they just make stalling a more viable tactic.

3/30/2009 12:21pm,

Cannon_6

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMightyMcClaw

Question:
-Won't this make underhooking even more common as as stalling tactic, since the referee will separate the fighters immediately? Basically, turning it into a "get (out) of clinch free" card?
I'm thinking of all of the turtling for referee standups in Judo. It seems like whenever sports add rules to prevent stalling, they just make stalling a more viable tactic.

I can't answer that, but I know what you're saying. I see that a lot here in the US because most gyms don't train clinch as much as they should. Guys grab and squeeze out of sheer desperation because they don't know what else to do.

Thais, on the other hand, don't need a "get out of clinch free" card... at least not since Dieselnoi retired.